Introduction

Good morning, Church family! Today, we're going to dive into a powerful message from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 8, verse 10.

Here's what the scripture says:

"Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Our message today is about the source of strength, the joy of the Lord, and the power of God. We're going to explore how the joy that comes from the Lord is not just a surface-level happiness, but a deep-seated strength that can sustain us through the most challenging times.

Martin Luther once said, "But if you possess faith, your heart cannot do otherwise than laugh for joy in God, and grow free, confidence, and courageous. For how can the heart remain sorrowful and dejected when it entertains no doubt of God’s kindness to it, and of his attitude as a good friend with whom it may unreservedly and freely enjoy all things?" This quote beautifully encapsulates our focus today. We will unpack this in greater depth, as we find out how to tap into this joy and the immense power it brings.

Let's begin with a word of prayer.

Father, we ask You to open our hearts to receive Your word today. Illuminate our understanding so we can fully grasp the depth of the joy You offer us. Help us to experience Your joy as our strength and Your power as our refuge. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, grab your Bibles, sit back, and let's dive deep into the Word together.

The Source of Strength

As believers, we often find ourselves in situations where we need to draw strength from a source outside of ourselves. This is where the joy of the Lord comes in. It is not just a feeling of happiness or a fleeting emotion, but it is a deep, abiding strength that is rooted in the knowledge of God's love for us. It is a strength that is not dependent on our circumstances, but is anchored in the unchanging character of God.

The book of Nehemiah: The Israelites had just returned from exile and were rebuilding their lives and their city. It was a time of great challenge and difficulty. Yet, in the midst of this, Nehemiah encouraged them to find joy in the Lord. He identified this joy as their source of strength. This joy was not based on their circumstances, which were challenging, but on their relationship with God.

A recurring theme throughout the Bible: In the book of Psalms, David often spoke of the joy of the Lord as his strength. In Psalm 28:7, David says, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Here, David identifies the Lord as his source of strength and joy, even in the midst of trials.

The Apostle Paul: Paul also spoke about the joy of the Lord as a source of strength. In Philippians 4:13, he says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Paul was writing this letter from prison, yet he was able to find joy and strength in the Lord. This is a powerful testament to the fact that the joy of the Lord is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our relationship with God.

Not a passive joy: It is an active joy that enables us to face challenges with courage and resilience. It is a joy that empowers us to persevere in the face of adversity. It is a joy that gives us the strength to overcome obstacles and to keep pressing on, even when the going gets tough.

A transformative joy: It changes us from the inside out. It transforms our perspective, our attitudes, and our actions. It enables us to see our circumstances through the lens of faith, rather than fear. It empowers us to respond to challenges with faith, rather than despair. It equips us to face adversity with hope, rather than hopelessness.

A sustaining joy: It sustains us in the midst of trials and tribulations. It gives us the strength to endure, to persevere, and to keep pressing on, even when the going gets tough. It is a joy that does not waver in the face of adversity, but remains steadfast and unshakeable.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when the Lord showed you that he is your strength. What was life like before you had the joy of the Lord as the source of your strength?

The Joy of the Lord

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